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Advice on GPU upgrade

D

Deans21

n00b
Joined
Nov 7, 2007
Messages
6
So I'm finally upgrading my system because I've decided to get back into PC gaming. I'm going to be getting a 2500k with a Z68 board. My current system is using a GeForce 8800GT OC which I guess is pretty old now.

My question is... would I get enough power if I picked up an additional 8800GT OC and put them in SLI? Or would I be better off to upgrade to a single, more powerful GPU?

I would be looking to play some of the newer stuff like BF3, Skyrim, etc.


Thanks!
 
Just get the fastest single gpu that you can afford. 8800 sli is too slow. Nvidia 680 should be out soon and that will be a good midrange card that will last you a long time.
 
You didnt say what your budget is, but my vote is to sell your current 8800 and get an AMD 6870 they are $140 after rebate
 
I don't know what type of crack the first responder was smoking but the unreleased nVidia Kepler 680 being midrange? Yeah maybe in about 3 or 4 years from now. Even a 580 today is top of the line.

The first place a lot of people mess up on is figuring out a budget. How much can you spend on a video card? How much can you spend on a video card + power supply (also important)

You can pick up a GeForce 560 or Radeon 6950 for very decent prices these days ~200 if you find a good deal. And will always have the option to crossfire/SLI them later.
 
Youre better off buying the best GPU you can afford.

If youre budget is under $200, 6870
Over $200, 6950
Over $300, GTX570 or 6970
Up to $500, GTX580.

Any of these cards will handle any game at 1920x1080 but while youll have to lower a setting or two on a few games with the 6870. The 2 midrange cards will play anything at max but you may be down into the low 30's framerate wise on games like Crysis and Metro. A GTX580 will shred them all with good framerates.
 
Wait!!!! Until Kepler comes out. There should be price drops down the line. we really need a budget and psu. Assumtions from build, back into gaming, games are not really enough info. Crossfire 7970s anyone?

8800 sli really is too slow just sell yours and roll the ~50 into your next card. Need it now!?? Deals would be if you can find a reference 6950 2gb under $200, thats my personal favorite. 460 or 6850 around $100 for budget. Or wait for Kepler and recheck prices.

I agree with most of what is said by past post but the 6970 at 300+ is not much value. 580 has seen good drops recently. I still think it will get better.
 
The 680 will be midrange for the new nvidia series. It is a replacement for the 560 but probably has performance around the current 580 level.

I have a 480 gtx soc and am eager to see the new nvidia releases..
 
Under $200------------HD6870 1GB
$230-$260--------------HD6950 2GB (might unlock to HD6970)
$275-$300--------------GTX560TI(448core) or HD6970
$320-$370--------------GTX570
$470-$550--------------GTX580
Over $500--------------HD7970 or wait for Kepler

Like the others said... depends on system setup, budget, etc. With the CPU/MB you gave you shouldnt have any issues there. But what res. are you going to be gaming at 1920x1080 higher, lower?? Multi-display? That plays into it alittle.
 
If you're going to spend $550 you'd definitely want the new 7970 over the gtx 580... unless u're hardcore anti-AMD. Makes no sense to pay the same price for a last-gen 30% slower card.
 
Thanks guys. This is exactly the advice I've been looking for. As for budget... I'm thinking 250 - 300 right now. That could vary depending on how much I get for my old components.

I just haven't followed gpus over the past few years and have no idea what to look for anymore.
 
HIS 6970

$310 shipped with a $20 mail in rebate.

Will max any game on the market at 1920x1080 although like I said, youll be in the low to mid 30's on games like Crysis and Metro but all the rest will be well into the 60+ range.

Youll need to make sure youve got a decent power supply. Id want a quality 500-600 watt unit for one of these. That would be more than enough plus headroom if you decide to try any overclocking.
 
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